HOMILY FOR THE FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD.
THEME: Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh.
BY: Diotacious Chikontwe SMA.
*READINGS OF THE DAY*
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6
Matthew 2:1-12
*LITURGICAL COLOUR*
WHITE
*INTRODUCTION*
Today we celebrate the feast of the magi or ‘epiphany.’ This feast is popularly called as the Feast of the Three Kings.
It is called “epiphany” because Jesus revealed Himself not only to the Jews, the chosen people, but also to pagan visitors. The word ‘Epiphany’ is from the Greek term “epiphanein” which means “manifestation.” In other words, Epiphany is first and foremost the Feast of God’s revelation of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, to the world. Jesus is Savior not only of Israelites, the chosen people, but also to everybody. And in this sense, I am sure that the Magi represent all the other peoples of the world.
*ABOUT THE GOSPEL READING OF TODAY*
In our Gospel reading today we hear about the visit of the Magi (Wise Men), “These Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’” The Magi followed the star which led them to Bethlehem. There they found the Christ child, did him homage and presented him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
RELATED: HOMILY FOR FRIDAY BEFORE EPIPHANY
*WHAT DOES THE MAGI REPRESENT, WHY THE THREE WISE MEN FROM THE EAST?*
The Magi represent the non-Jewish world – they represent us. Their arrival on the scene shows, as it were, that the Savior born in Bethlehem comes not just for one people, but for all peoples, all races – of all times and places. And we joyfully proclaim, “Lord, all the nations will adore you.”
*WHAT DO WE LEARN FROM THE FEAST OF TODAY?*
1. Our feast of today, has lots of lessons for us. First is that, the three kings offered a genuine worship to Christ, the King of kings. So, our worship must be sincere like theirs. It must not be like the false proposal of king Herod.
2. Secondly, we must be ready to offer Jesus something. We must not appear before the Lord empty handed. So, we must ask ourselves today, what will I offer the Lord for his goodness to me? The best gift to offer to God is the gift of oneself, the gift of love, the gift of obedience, the gift of humility, the gift of peace, and the gift of sacrifice.
3. The third and last lesson is that, we must learn from the wise kings is that, we must continue to follow the star and light that Christ shows us. That is, we must not allow ourselves to be deceived or distracted on our journey by the many Herods of this world.
*CONCLUSION*
May the Lord, Who made Himself visible and Who has revealed Himself to all the nations, be with us all and continue to call upon us to follow Him. May He continue to guide us all through the path of grace and His love and truth, so that we may follow Him, with all of our hearts and minds, and be truly saved.
Wishing all of us a Most Blessed and Holy Solemnity of the Epiphany of the Lord! Amen.
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